Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unusually brief and restrained farewell message to outgoing Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has sparked widespread speculation about a possible rift within the top echelons of the government. Following Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation—officially attributed to health concerns—Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) and posted a mere 26-word message, saying: “Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health.” The absence of customary praise or warm acknowledgment stood out, especially given the significance of the Vice President’s office.
Dhankhar’s sudden resignation has raised eyebrows across political circles. Many believe the timing and manner of his exit suggest underlying tensions with the central leadership. According to insider reports, Dhankhar’s decision to allow an Opposition-sponsored impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma to proceed in the Rajya Sabha is believed to have caused serious friction with the government. Sources indicate that this move caught the BJP off guard and may have been viewed as a deviation from party expectations, triggering strong internal reactions and possibly leading to “heated exchanges.”
While Dhankhar cited medical reasons for stepping down, political analysts and opposition parties have not been convinced. The Congress Party even urged Prime Minister Modi to persuade Dhankhar to reconsider his decision, implying that there might be “far more than meets the eye.” The Trinamool Congress went a step further, alleging that Dhankhar was “threatened with impeachment” and forced to resign under pressure from the NDA government. They also speculated that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh could be tapped as the next Vice-President.
The Prime Minister’s cold and delayed farewell has only fueled these suspicions. Typically, such resignations are met with formal statements reflecting gratitude, appreciation for service, and best wishes for the future. Modi’s reserved tone, coupled with the lack of any formal ceremony or parliamentary send-off, suggests that Dhankhar’s departure may not have been entirely amicable.
This episode sheds light on the fragile balance between constitutional roles and party expectations in Indian politics. Dhankhar, known for his assertive style during his tenure as Governor of West Bengal and later as Vice-President, may have stepped outside the tightly controlled framework the government prefers for its top constitutional appointees. His exit—and the muted response to it—could be a sign of deeper discontent with individuals who deviate from central command, even in positions that are supposed to be impartial and above party politics.
In the corridors of power, where silence often speaks louder than words, Modi’s terse message has made a resounding statement. Whether more details emerge or not, Jagdeep Dhankhar’s quiet departure has left behind loud questions about internal party dynamics and the evolving nature of high constitutional office in India.
